Velodyne Lidar announced that Deborah Hersman, former chair of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), has been appointed to the bompany’s Board of Directors, effective immediately.
Ms. Hersman has nearly 30 years of government, nonprofit and private sector executive leadership experience in transportation, safety and policy. Following her role as chair of the National Transportation Safety Board, she served as the president and chief executive officer of the National Safety Council. Most recently, Ms. Hersman served as the first chief safety officer of Waymo, Google’s self-driving car project. She currently serves on the Board of Directors of NiSource Inc.
“Debbie is a passionate, well-respected pioneer in the safety field with a proven track record of successfully promoting public safety, delivering on high profile objectives and managing complex, technical initiatives,” said Dr. Joseph B. Culkin, PhD, chairman of Velodyne Lidar’s Board of Directors. “As the leading lidar provider, our commitment to advancing safety is the unifying principle that defines, coordinates and focuses our entire organization. We are thrilled that Debbie, who is a true leader in our field and shares in our vital mission, is joining us at this exciting time. We look forward to benefiting from her extensive expertise to help Velodyne improve lives and making the world a safer place.”
“For the entirety of my career, I have been at the forefront of solving the most serious and complicated transportation safety issues in the U.S.,” said Ms. Hersman. “I look forward to working alongside my fellow Board members and company management to advance truly innovative technology that improves safety in workplaces, communities and on the roads.”
Ms. Hersman has been appointed to the Board as a Class III director. With her appointment, the Board now comprises eight directors, the majority of whom are independent.